Mahrez’s goal was the difference between the sides, but manager Ranieri refused to get carried away and insisted that Champions League qualification is “very close”.

Speaking after the match, the Italian said: “It sounds good, our fans are singing a very good song about that but we are to stay calm because the Premier League is the same as every match, you don’t know what will happen.

“We have to continue to push a lot because the Champions League is very close to us. Maybe in the next two matches I can say something more.”

“Concentration is very important for us. Now the others have to do something.

“I think now we are close to achieving the Champions League, that is a great achievement, step by step. I’m not dreaming [of the title], I make a comparison between the race for the title, and each match. You don’t know what will happen until the end.”